What started as a birthday memorial celebration for Lajermanique Nichols, the Jonesboro teen that was one of three killed in a horrific car accident in 2021, turned into a major crowd disruption resulting in two arrests made and two others still at large. Also three Jonesboro Police Department Officers sustained injuries.
Arrested and charged with Disturbing the Peace, three counts of Battery of a Police Officer and three counts of Resisting by Force was Demije M. Patterson and Tracy Hampton III, both of Homer, LA.
Still at large and being sought is Rayonjarnae Stewart and Justice Castro, who were handcuffed and put in a Jonesboro Police Department (JPD) unit but escaped with aid from members in the crowd while Officers were attempting to break up the disturbance.
According to JPD Asst. Police Chief Warren Johnson a large crowd was in attendance this past Sunday, March 19th, at Congo Park located at 200 Pearrie Street in Jonesboro honoring Nichols on what would have been her 21st birthday. During the event a physical altercation started between two females which when JPD Officers attempted to defuse the situation became an all out brawl.
Jonesboro Mayor James “Spike” Harris has issued the following statement.
“Due to the unfortunate situation that occurred there will be no further unsanctioned events held at any public parks within the city limits of Jonesboro until further notice.”
The Jonesboro Police Department requests that if anyone has any knowledge of the whereabouts of Stewart and/or Castro please call 318-259-2164 or come by the JPD, located at 100 4th Street in Jonesboro.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
